Page:Carroll - Rhyme and Reason.djvu/177

Rh Tis the note of the Jubjub! Keep count, I entreat;
 * You will find I have told it you twice.

'Tis the song of the Jubjub! The proof is complete,
 * If only I've stated it thrice."

The Beaver had counted with scrupulous care,
 * Attending to every word:

But it fairly lost heart, and outgrabe in despair,
 * When the third repetition occurred.

It felt that, in spite of all possible pains,
 * It had somehow contrived to lose count,

And the only thing now was to rack its poor brains
 * By reckoning up the amount.

"Two added to one—if that could but be done,"
 * It said, "with one's fingers and thumbs!"

Recollecting with tears how, in earlier years,
 * It had taken no pains with its sums.

"The thing can be done," said the Butcher, "I think.
 * The thing must be done, I am sure.

The thing shall be done! Bring me paper and ink,
 * The best there is time to procure."